1963 front end swap

Discussion in '1960-1966' started by Heavy metal, Oct 3, 2011.

  1. Heavy metal

    Heavy metal Member

    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2011
    Messages:
    1
    Iam wondering if anyone has triedt o swap a 1979 front suspension on to a 1963 and also the power steering?
     
  2. markeb01

    markeb01 Member

    Joined:
    Sep 29, 2009
    Messages:
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    Location:
    Spokane, WA
    This is a very common and popular swap. It is relatively simple to swap out the entire front suspension crossmember with one from a 73-87 Chevy or GMC truck. The control arms can also be swapped onto the original crossmember, but the benefit of the later rubber control arm bushings is not gained. Here are the two the most extensive threads I’m aware of, detailing the various options. Both share pretty much the same information but displayed differently:

    http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=367260

    http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=443871

    And welcome to the forum!

    Also - there are a number of kits available to add power steering. I used the one from REZ with very good results. They are the originators of these kits, and the only one on the market when I bought mine 20 years ago. Here's a typical installation:

    http://www.customclassictrucks.com/techarticles/60_66_chevy_gmc_power_steering_retrofit/index.html
     
    Last edited: Oct 4, 2011
  3. bigtimjamestown

    bigtimjamestown Member

    Joined:
    Jan 11, 2010
    Messages:
    683
    Location:
    Jamestown Ca.
    This is something I posted back n Jan./10, I hope this helps you...Big Tim Why don't you go with disk brakes? you can do this cheep if you do what I did. I bought a complete 77 1/2 ton Chevy for 400.00. The front spindles will work with the torsion bar suspension if you use a 7/16" to 1" reamer on the lower ball joint hole. You can even use the upper a arms from the 77 cause they are the same dimensions as the 60. The power steering and linkage will work perfectly also if you space the box about a 1/2 to 3/4" away from the frame. The power brake booster and proportioning valve along with all the brake lines will also work with no problem. You should be able to get everything you need off of the late model truck to update your 60 and sell all the left overs to get your money back and then some, I did. Check out my 61 step side, everything came out very clean without buying any expensive kits and was easy to do. These same parts will also work on the 63-66 and you don't have to ream out the lower hole on the spindle. All you have to do is change the lower ball joint to the late model one....Big Tim 001.jpg

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